The current plan is for the green hydrogen produced to be synthesized with nitrogen to make green ammonia. Green ammonia can be used to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries, for example as a low-carbon fuel for international shipping, for green fertilizer production or to act as a carrier for hydrogen energy to be transported to market.

Ammonia production from Phase 1 of the project is expected to reach 400,000 tons annually, with the scope for increasing the capacity in future phases. Leveraging established power generation, port and grid infrastructures, and available land for downstream facilities, the project’s rapid development timeline ensures Angola is well positioned to become a key supplier of green ammonia before the end of the decade.

With the global push to scale-up green hydrogen production to meet targets required for achieving net zero emissions by 2050, this project has the potential to not only accelerate the clean energy transition, but also to establish Angola as a new hub for sustainable industrialization in Africa. Working in partnership with Sonangol, Gauff and Conjuncta and the Angolan competent authorities, the project is aligned with Angola’s own development aspirations, including the country’s long-term “Angola Vision 2050” development strategy, and the current National Development Plan (2023-2027).

CWP Global’s CEO for Hydrogen, Mike Scholey, attended today’s PDA signing and highlighted the significance of the new venture:

“This project marks a milestone not just for Angola but for the African continent, which has the potential to play an outsized role in the global energy transition.

By leveraging Angola’s abundant zero-emissions energy resources, we plan to supply vital green hydrogen and ammonia to the world, helping to meet critical gateways for industrial decarbonization strategies and targets in Europe and elsewhere.

This project underscores our commitment to creating a sustainable and scalable green hydrogen industry, one that will contribute significantly to both local and global efforts to combat climate change.”

Sonangol’s R&D CEO, Dr. Vladimir Machado, highlighted the importance of this partnership:

“This agreement aims to reinforce the necessary partnership to allow the conclusion of one of the largest green hydrogen and ammonia synthesis plants in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This project will also allow Sonangol to take a leadership position within the energy transition, business portfolio diversification, social and economical development and the national productive sector.

Gauff Engineering’s Managing Director, Stefan Tavares Bollow, commented:

“Gauff is extremely proud of being part of this project since its inception and is looking forward to being a key contributor to its launch. This project will greatly support Angola in diversifying its economy and contribute to its ongoing development for a greener industrial environment.

With the signature of this agreement, the consortium reaches yet another crucial milestone, by partnering with a major international player in the Hydrogen Sector, bringing its unique expertise to this multidisciplinary team. Consequently, with all partners on board, we now look forward to establishing the SPV, and continuing with the development of the FEED, having the target to implement the first large scale green ammonia project in the African market.”

Conjuncta’s CEO Prof Dr Stefan Liebing added:

“We are proud that an experienced developer like CWP Global will join our project and take the lead as a new shareholder in bringing it to a Final Investment Decision. As Angola offers a special framework and very good options for production of green hydrogen, we believe we have one of the most attractive projects that has a high likelihood of early implementation.

Following successful completion of first phases of development, we are confident that with the experience of CWP Global, Angola can take a leading role in Africa in developing a new global green hydrogen industry.”

About CWP Global

CWP Global brings extensive expertise and a proven track record in developing best-in-class renewable energy project portfolios in both South-East Europe and Australia and is now one of the world’s leading developers of ultra-large-scale renewable hydrogen hubs, with a vision to supply emerging international markets for green hydrogen, green ammonia and other derivatives, including green iron.

CWP’s current portfolio of green hydrogen hubs includes 8 projects located in Africa, Australia, South America, and North America, with an aggregate renewable energy generation capacity of around 200GW. In Africa, the portfolio includes green hydrogen / PtX hub projects in Mauritania (AMAN), Djibouti (Hayyu) and Morocco (AMUN).

About Sonangol

Sociedade Nacional de Combustíveis de Angola, Empresa Pública, Sonangol, E.P., founded in 1976, is the Angola’s national oil company, responsible for exploring, producing, refining, transportation, storage and marketing of hydrocarbons. Following the transfer of the concessionaire role to ANPG, Sonangol E.P. has streamlined its operations and, in the context of the energy transition, adopted a portfolio diversification strategy, with a focus on the exploration and production of hydrocarbons as the basis for financing the transition to cleaner energies.

About Gauff

Gauff is a strong family business that, since its foundation in 1988, has enabled the improvement of the economic and socio-economic framework through the development, planning, and implementation of essential infrastructures. Its main focus is on the African continent, and it has been present in Angola since 1995.

Gauff goes beyond the traditional consulting service, providing engineering services, material procurement, contract processing and monitoring or the mediation of tailor-made financing. Gauff supports its partners at every stage of the project and guarantees the highest quality according to German and international standards.

About Conjuncta

Conjuncta GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg (Germany), is a boutique project development and investment firm focusing on energy and infrastructure in emerging markets. Established in 2004, Conjuncta has been involved in developing and realizing dozens of projects on the African continent. Its founder is a renowned business leader, Past Chairman of the German-African Business Association and the European Business Council on Africa and the Mediterranean, and a Professor of International Business.

Sonangol is very proud to continue working with its partners for the development of high impact green projects that are positive for the environment.”

Hydex Weekly Report: Marginal Costs of Green Hydrogen Continue to Rise